A highlight of the best places to see and food to eat on Fukue Island, the largest of the Goto Islands in Nagasaki, Japan
A dream getaway for slow travel and nature enthusiasts looking to explore the untouched areas of Japan
❗️Please note: moderate Japanese proficiency is recommended due to the limited English available
A breathtaking park with a stunning view of the coast and surrounding mountains and islands.
Come for a picnic, camping, or just to immerse yourself in the phenomenal nature.
There are often local events here held on weekends, so check local notice boards to time your visit.
✅ Toilet Available
✅ Vending Machine
✅ Picnic Tables
🥾 The hike to the lighthouse takes about 30 minutes, or you can just opt to go to the view spot (see 'Goddess of Prayer Statue') for some stunning panoramic views
Caution: if you opt for the hike, remember to stay hydrated and be aware of ticks
✅ Toilet Available
🏝️ Unofficially Japan's most beautiful beach
Great for a splash during the July heat
The best place to view this beach is from📍Gyoran Kannon Observation Deck (魚藍観音展望所 )
✅ Toilet Available
✅ Vending Machine
✅ Seating Area
Add to
Details
Gyoran Kannon Observation Deck (best views of Takahama Beach)
The best views of Takahama beach. Can be hiked up from the beach, but easier to drive.
Note: The observation deck ONLY appears in Japanese on Google Maps. For directions, copy & paste this: 魚籃観音展望所
✅ Toilet Available
🗽 The best view spot near Osezaki Lighthouse.
I actually prefer the view of the mountains behind the statue, rather than looking at the lighthouse.
The statue was erected during the Pacific War to comfort the spirit of soldiers heading West to war and might never set food on their homeland again.
❌ No Restroom
⛩️ Isolated shrine in the mountains with a stunning view of the coast through the Torii gates.
Please note the road to get here is narrow and curved so proceed with caution.
❌ No Restroom
🌋 A volcano covered in grass that is now the destination for grass sledding and kite flying. It is a relatively easy climb and the views are beautiful. It is also a wonderful place for late night stargazing
✅ Toilet Available
✅ Vending Machine
✅ Seating Area
The area of town where the samurai used to live during the Edo Period.
The stone walls remains intact.
Add to
Details
Churches
Please note that you may not be able to enter some of the churches, as they are still in use by the local residents.
Please be considerate upon entering. Wear clothing that is not too revealing and avoid speaking too loudly. Sometimes you may need to remove your shoes.
Taking pictures inside the churches is prohibited.
My favourite church destination due to it's beautiful location. This area of the island is beautiful in rain or shine, with cafes and the coast nearby.
There is a museum within the church that can be viewed for a small fee.
Stop for a snack or coffee break on the steps by the carpark to soak in the stunning scenery
Imochiura Church has the first Lourdes in Japan. Inside of the Lourdes you can see a state of the Virgin Mary that was brought over from France.
Add to
Details
Places to Eat
Goto is known for it's fresh fish, but it also prides itself on its Goto beef, and you can't forget champon - this Nagasaki noodle dish will change your life!
Below are a few sushi restaurants and lunch options that K (my husband) and I enjoyed during our time here.
Considered to have the best champon on the island by the locals.
Extremely popular lunch option in a very central location. You might have to wait a little for a seat.
I also recommend the 'aji-fry' as well as the spicy champon 😋
Please note popular items sell out quickly so the earlier you go the better!
🥐 Cute bakery and cafe offering fresh pastry and coffee.
They also offer soy latte for all my lactose intolerant girlies ✌️
Buy some take away pastries and coffee and enjoy them on the coastline (across the road)
🍜 THE ramen joint on the island. Be prepared to wait.
The 'ebi-shio' (lit. prawn salt) is the go-to.
Apparently the fried rice is banger as well but it was already sold out when we got there ☹️
Cafe and antique shop within an abandoned school.
An eery experience, walking through halls that still have posters and paintings of children, and walking through a playground with overgrown grass and tiny slippers left behind...
The lovely lady working there gave us tips on where to go and information about the Osezaki Cape
Considered to have the best champon on the island by the locals.
Extremely popular lunch option in a very central location. You might have to wait a little for a seat.
I also recommend the 'aji-fry' as well as the spicy champon 😋
Please note popular items sell out quickly so the earlier you go the better!
A little outside of town but with breathtaking views over a stunning beach.
Activities such as stand up paddle boarding and car rentals are also available
5-star hotel with stunning views over the coast.
The ultimate place to treat yourself
Add to
Details
Two-night sample itinerary
Below is a sample itinerary for a two-night trip, with all distances calculated assuming the hotel is within 'town'
Day 1: Exploring the North
9am: arrive at the island, drop off your bags and pick up a car
10:30am: Drive to Gyogasaki Park (30 minutes)
(optional, swing by Mizunoura Church)
12pm: Head to Kentoshi Furusatokan for lunch (15 minutes)
1pm: Drive to Takahama Beach (50 minutes)
3pm: Relax at the Arakawa Foot Bath
5:30pm: Head back to 'town' for dinner at Sushi Zen
(optional) Head to Mt. Onidake after dark for some stargazing
Day 2: Osezaki Lighthouse
AM: Relax and explore Bukeyashiki (Samurai) Street
12pm: lunch at Yume no Eki (30 minutes) or Chiharu (20 minutes)
2pm: Osezaki Cape (20-30 minutes)
Option 1: Hike up to the Osezaki Lighthouse (1 hour roundtrip)
Option 2: Explore Shimayama Island and try and spot some deer
Option 3: Visit Imochiura Catholic Church
Option 4: Explore Shirotori Shrine
5pm: Head back to town for dinner at Mochizuki (reservation is recommended)
Day 3: Half-day (two options)
Option 1
Drive to Dozaki Church (15 minutes)
Have a coffee break at a cafe or on the coastline
Option 2
Head to Mt. Onidake (15 minutes)
12pm: Head back to town for lunch at Umatei
Things to know before you go
⚠️ A moderate level of Japanese language proficiency is recommended for this destination.
🔠 There is limited English (or other languages) available on the island. Using Google Translate may help in some situations however many menus are hand written and locations are often only provided in Japanese on Google Maps (cannot be searched in English).
🐍 Wild animals including snakes, deers and wild boars inhabit the island. Although sightings are rare, please practice caution in remote areas.
💵Credit cards are not accepted in some shops. Remember to bring cash with you!
🪼🪼Please note if you plan on swimming, there are jellyfish in the water in August.
